patroon
One of the landowning Dutch grandees of the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam, especially after it became a British possession renamed as New York.
Dr. Tucker accompanied us on our return; and we made a call on General Van Rensselaer. He is the Patroon, or Lord of the Manor here; and is considered the greatest landholder in the United States.
Where it comes from
Borrowed from Dutch patroon (“patron saint; boss”), from Middle Dutch patroon, from Latin patrōnus (“protector; patron”). Doublet of padrone, patron, Patronus, and pattern.
Adapted from the Wiktionary entry patroon (CC BY-SA 4.0).